West Ham firm with Chelsea over Carroll fee

Andy Carroll West Ham

Chelsea's initial approaches for West Ham striker Andy Carroll have revealed a difference in valuation between the clubs and progress over a move could be slow, Goal understands.

Carroll is thought to be keen to take the opportunity at Chelsea, but West Ham have so far been inflexible over their £20 million asking price, after initially rejecting the idea of a six-month loan move.

Madrid to make €70m Aubameyang bid

Real Madrid are ready to make a last-ditch bid to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, claims Don Balon.

Arsenal are in talks to sign Aubameyang, but could face late competition from Madrid after club president Florentino Perez decided an immediate fix is required for the team’s goalscoring problems.

Inter’s Mauro Icardi is reportedly Madrid’s prime summer target, but Perez is ready to make €70 million available now to beat Arsenal to the capture of Aubameyang, who has long held a dream of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Man Utd consider Darmian sale

Matteo Darmian Manchester United

Manchester United could sell Matteo Darmian in the January transfer window, with AC Milan and Valencia both showing an interest, reports The Independent .

Darmian, who can play at right or left-back, has been unable to secure a regular starting spot at United, who are open to letting him go this month.

According toCalciomercato.com, meanwhile, Juventus are keen on a summer deal for Darmian amid suggestions United could use the Italy international as part of a bid to sign Alex Sandro.

Otamendi signs new Man City deal

Nicolas Otamendi Manchester City

Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi has signed a new deal that runs until 2022.

The 29-year-old has made 118 appearances since joining the club in a reported reported £32 million move from Valencia in 2015. His original contract was due to expire in 2020, with Wednesday's announcement adding two years to his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Goretzka agrees Bayern deal

Bayern Munich have won the race to sign Leon Goretzka after agreeing a deal for the Schalke midfielder, according to Sport Bild .

Goretzka is out of contract at the end of the season and was reportedly a target for the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

However, Bayern have convinced the Germany international to stay in the Bundesliga, with Goretzka to sign a deal at the Allianz Arena, subject to passing a medical after recently suffering from a lower leg injury.

Zidane wants Sterling to replace Bale

Raheem Sterling Manchester City

Zinedine Zidane has urged Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling as a long-term replacement for Gareth Bale, according to Don Balon .

Bale’s persistent injury troubles have prompted speculation that Madrid will look to sell the Wales international in the summer, and Zidane feels Sterling is the ideal player to come into the squad.

Zidane, however, is facing a battle to persuade Perez of the merits of signing Sterling due to the president’s desire to bring in a new No.9.

West Ham want Batshuayi in Carroll deal

Andy Carroll Michy Batshuayi

West Ham want Michy Batshuayi to be included in any deal that would see Andy Carroll joining Chelsea, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Blues had hoped to bring the England international to Stamford Bridge on a loan deal, but the Irons insist they are only interested in letting Carroll go on a permanent basis.

They would listen to offers of £20 million plus Batshuayi on loan for the former Liverpool man, though both Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund have also registered an interest in the Belgium international.

Alexis had Man City concerns

Alexis Sanchez Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez was worried about Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy before Manchester City pulled out of a deal to sign the Arsenal forward, reports the Manchester Evening News .

However, though Sanchez was keen to work with his former Barcelona coach Guardiola again, he was concerned about how much playing time he would get with the Premier League leaders.

Manchester United are now hoping to finalise a deal for Sanchez, who is out of contract at the end of the season, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan expected to head to Arsenal.

Auba's father in London as Dortmund eye Batshuayi

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Borussia Dortmund

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's father, who also acts as his agent, is travelling to London for talks with Arsenal, with Dortmund wanting Michy Batshuayi as his replacement, according to Bild .

The Gunners have been strongly linked with the Gabon international and it appears negotiations are progressing well, while the Bundesliga club see Batshuayi as a decent option to replace their star striker.

Mkhitaryan wants to be Arsenal's highest earner

Alexis Sanchez Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan wants to be the best-paid player at Arsenal as part of the swap deal between the Gunners and Manchester United for Alexis Sanchez, according to the Daily Record .